Nikiforova Y. Profiles of virtual language identities in forums (Based on English).

The thesis is devoted to the complex analysis of discussion forums and activity of different virtual language identities in these forums. The research is based on the English language posts. It has been determined that virtual language identity is a discursive variant of language identity represented in the Web, with certain verbal and non-verbal peculiarities, certain communicative strategies and tactics used by the participants to reach their aims. In the thesis, the main types of virtual language identities ‒ moderator, expert, troll, adviser and off-topic speaker ‒ were identified and analysed. Virtual language identity “moderator” is the key personality, who controls communication on forums. Moderator interferes in communication in case someone violates the rules. Warnings issued by moderators may be left without explanation but it is advisable to follow the rules without contradiction. Well-moderated communication services have effective and cooperative orientation. Moderator not only controls the rules to be followed but also facilitates discussion in threads. Moderators enforce the rules using the following communication strategies: the strategy of correcting behaviour and the strategy of group identity. All the strategies are targeted to maintain effective and cooperative communication in threads supervised by moderators. Virtual language identities “expert” and “adviser” are cooperative identities. The communication intention of the expert is the following: to provide detailed information concerning the issue that is being discussed. Virtual language identity “adviser” aims at providing help to other communicators. Experts can be found in any discussion field in spite of the issue being discussed. The posts of the experts have the following characteristics: well-structured text, reference to authoritative sources, hyperlinks. Moreover, experts are prone to using the following strategies: strategy aimed at balancing partners’ face and strategy of providing knowledge while informing.